Oxford PV achieves 25% efficiency record for solar panels
Pamela Largue
Posted on: 1 February 2024
Oxford PV has achieved a record 25% conversion efficiency for their commercial-sized perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell.
Solar technology developer Oxford PV has achieved a record 25% conversion efficiency for their commercial-sized perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell.
According to the company, it's a significant increase on the more typical 24% efficiency of commercial solar modules.
Oxford PV is a spin-out of the University of Oxford and works with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems to develop perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells.
The Oxford PV silicon perovskite tandem solar panel delivered an output of 421 watts on an area of 1.68 square meters, making it "the world's most efficient perovskite silicon tandem solar module in industrial format," according to a company statement.
According to Oxford PV, these solar cells, in theory, have a maximum efficiency of over 43%, compared to less than 30% for silicon solar cells.
Chris Case, chief technology officer of Oxford PV, commented on the announcement: “Our record-breaking solar panels demonstrate that we are on the cusp of the next solar revolution.
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“Solar energy is currently among the most cost-effective and sustainable energy sources. Our continuous advancements in technology will further enhance module efficiency – producing more electricity from the same area – and extending their use to all market sectors from residential, commercial through to utility scale."
The solar tech developer suggested in a release that 2024 looks to be a "pivotal year for Oxford PV," as the company boosts manufacturing and plans new factories to produce its tandem solar cells in higher volumes.
David Ward, chief executive officer of Oxford PV, added: “It is the first step in what will be a transformative 2024, as we begin to deliver market-ready panels from our factory in Germany and continue our global search for a new high volume manufacturing site which will enable us to bring our technology into the mainstream.”
